NANBF Great Lakes Super Natural Muscle Classic USA: Open 1st place winning my Pro card for the 2nd time

2009 Pro Bodybuilding

IFPA Pro International: 3rd Place

IFPA Yorton Cup: 4th Place Heavy weight

What is your background and how did you get started in bodybuilding?

I was a gymnast all my life. I started at the age of three and did not stop until I was 17 and leaving home to join the Air Force. Once in the military my training changed a lot. It became much more focused on running and calisthenics as opposed to any sort of real weight training. I wanted to compete in fitness back when I was in my 20’s but due to the demand of my military career it was not possible. So time moved forward I got married and became pregnant.

After I had my son I was fed up with my size and weight gain, not to mention that my cholesterol and blood pressure were through the roof, so I went on a mission to lose weight. I gave the Body for Life program a run for 12 weeks and didn’t lose a whole lot of weight but I gained an enormous amount of muscle. So I moved forward and got some assistance from a friend and entered my first competition. I competed in figure.

Showing up and making my first step on stage sold me! But I was quickly reformed. I saw the bodybuilders hanging around with bare feet and more or less relaxing while all the figure girls (me included) were in 5” heals trying to walk and pose and be “models”. I wanted to hang out on the floor! I enjoyed my day on stage but after seeing the pictures from the show, which too told me that I was not a figure girl. My muscle size was just overpowering in comparison to the other competitors.

My next step was to find a trainer and get ripped! And that is exactly what I did! I started with my trainer two months after that figure competition and stepped on stage only five months later to start my year long winning streak on the bodybuilding stage. I kind of fell into bodybuilding. I went from a fat girl with high blood pressure and high cholesterol to a professional bodybuilder. How awesome is that!

Why do you love bodybuilding?

I love bodybuilding because I am able to perform. Having been a gymnast from pretty much the day I could walk, I always felt like I was missing something with not competing and performing for others. My favorite part about the whole competing thing is putting together a wonderful routine that the judges and audience will remember.

Training

What is your training philosophy?

I am pretty steady on my training on and off-season. The only real difference is the intensity and cardio. Off-season I take my time and try to up my weights, when I am on season it is more about moving quickly and burning off the fat.

Squats - Because they can hit everything, not only your legs but your glutes, your abdominals and your back. Focus on form and make them count.

Shoulder Press - Because they are great to round out your physique and give you the X frame you are looking for!

Pull Ups - You can do these almost anywhere and they will build you an awesome back!

What is the best training tip you can give to others?

Do it for you. If you want something bad enough you need to find it within yourself to make it happen. Food does not go into your mouth without you putting it there and weight does not shed off your body without you putting forth the effort to do your cardio and lift your weights. There is no magic pill out there and for that matter there is no trainer that is a magician. Your goals are only achieved by you. You must take accountability for that if you want to make it happen.

Nutrition

What is your philosophy on nutrition?

You must be dedicated to your diet 100%. Your diet is key in natural bodybuilding. You need to be as lean as possible and if you cheat on your diet, you are not going to get there. You can miss a workout but you can not deviate from your diet.

Advice For Others

What are the 3 best tips you'd give to someone thinking about competing in natural bodybuilding?

Find a GOOD NATURAL trainer. There are some great trainers out there, but if they don’t know all the rules in the world of natural bodybuilding you could find yourself in a world of trouble when you do your tests.

Make sure you pay close attention to the banned substance lists. You can buy many things on the Internet and over the counter that are considered banned. So check the ingredients and make sure they are safe. Even if your trainer tells you to use them, check to be sure. In the end if you fail a drug test it will fall on you not your trainer.

If you commit to a show, then you must commit to a show. Meaning; you can still go out and have fun but remember that you need to get your workouts in and your food. So take it with you. Don’t set yourself up for failure by not being prepared. If you’re going on vacation or out of town for business be sure to pre-plan. Check out the area for a local gym, or bring along training bands. Never leave home without your food. Diet is crucial!

What is your best advice for looking your best on competition day?

My advice is simple. You have trained for months or even years to get to the stage. On competition day it isn’t about any special trick to make you look your best, by show day you should be there already. What you need to do is be mentally prepared. If you are proud of your accomplishments, show that off portray that attitude; enjoy your time in the spotlight!

How do you stay motivated? What advice would you give to someone who's having trouble staying on track?

I have a group of fantastic friends. They all have competed, plan to compete, or are active in the competition arena. They are my constant motivation force. We push each other and root each other on. We try to be at competitions and support one another in any way possible. It is the most amazing group of “prior fatties (LOL)” in the world! Love you Co-Diva’s!

Future Plans

What shows have you got coming up, where can we see you compete?

I am hoping to break into NPC Fitness this year with a show in Denver, Colorado on July 16th, but that is up in the air right now as the NPC promoter is trying to find out if I can compete in Amateur Fitness when I hold a professional bodybuilding title. So I am planning and training for that show, but do not know if it is going to happen right now or not.

I WILL be competing at the IFPA Masters Pro Cup in Council Bluffs, Iowa on August 28th and also at the IFPA International in Kansas City, Kansas on September 18th. Depending upon how I do at these two shows I may fly to Washington, DC in November for the Yorton Cup.

What would you like to achieve in your natural bodybuilding career?

Right now my goal is to walk away with first place at the professional level.

Favorite Competitors/Idols

Who are your favorite bodybuilders and idols?

Cory Everson and Rachel McLish…..Two of the most beautiful bodybuilders ever!

wish all bb ESP female would stay natural for obvious reason!! Too many people wanting a quick fix! Ask yourself is it worth getting manly features for!! I certainly don't think so! It's cheating your way to a trophy and not fair on all the woman who have done it the right way and should be the only wayif it was upto me they would test every single competitor on stage. TRAIN AND COMPETE NATURAL!!!!!!

You are awesome! Im 17 years old and i would love to start bodybuilding but i dont have access to a gym right now. Im stuck doing body weight exercises.... All i have is a pair of 25 pound dumbbells. I do pushups,pullups, and crunches with the 25 pound dumbbells. Do you have any tips? Email: bigbird244@msn.com

I am about to tackle my first bodybuilding competition and this profile speaks to me as I follow similar practices. Outstanding physique and positive attitude is just what I need to know that it can be done. Thank you for this! "If you are proud of your accomplishments, show that off portray that attitude; enjoy your time in the spotlight!" I will be visiting this profile to keep me going and make a fun future.

Wow! I cannot believe the change from several years ago to today. I saw you got your pro card, congratulations! Awesome reading and truely a motivational story. Good luck and hope to see you in Omaha some time.